Overcoming COVID-19 in Bhutan: Lessons from Coping with the Pandemic in a Tourism-Dependent Economy

The Government of Bhutan has taken financial relief measures and implemented programs to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus is on striking a balance between immediate relief and long-term reforms for a sustainable reopening.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Asian Development Bank

This comprehensive publication evaluates the Government of Bhutan's extensive array of financial relief measures aimed at providing solace to the most affected individuals during the challenging times brought forth by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition to these relief efforts, the government has implemented a range of programs and interventions designed to mitigate the profound impact of the pandemic on various aspects of society.

The strategic approach adopted by the government in the sector revolves around achieving a delicate balance between addressing the immediate needs of the economically displaced individuals and concurrently embarking on significant reforms and investments to facilitate a sustainable reopening of the economy. This multifaceted strategy aims to strike a harmonious chord between providing immediate assistance and laying the foundation for long-term growth and resilience.

To achieve these objectives, the government has implemented a comprehensive set of measures, including direct cash transfers to affected families, subsidies for businesses and individuals, and initiatives to support agriculture and tourism. Furthermore, the government has taken steps to enhance healthcare infrastructure, strengthen public health measures, and provide financial support to vulnerable sectors such as education and women's empowerment.

In addition to these targeted interventions, the government has also prioritized the development of a comprehensive recovery plan that seeks to rebuild the economy and promote sustainable development. This plan encompasses a range of measures, such as investment in infrastructure, promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The government's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic is evident in its comprehensive and proactive approach. By combining financial relief measures with programs and interventions aimed at promoting economic recovery and social well-being, the government has demonstrated its determination to support its citizens during this unprecedented time.

The publication concludes by highlighting the need for continued collaboration and support from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, and international organizations, to ensure a swift and effective response to the ongoing pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing public health, promoting social inclusion, and fostering economic resilience to build a stronger and more sustainable future for all.

The Government of Bhutan has taken a comprehensive and proactive approach to address the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. In response to the immediate needs of the economically displaced individuals, the government has implemented a range of financial relief measures, including direct cash transfers to affected families, subsidies for businesses and individuals, and initiatives to support agriculture and tourism. To promote economic recovery and social well-being, the government has also prioritized the development of a comprehensive recovery plan that includes investment in infrastructure, promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The strategic thrust of interventions for the sector is based on striking the right to balance between the immediate need to engage the economically displaced while simultaneously initiating major reforms and investments for a sustainable reopening. The government has recognized the importance of providing immediate assistance while also laying the foundation for long-term growth and resilience. To achieve this, the government has implemented a comprehensive set of measures, including direct cash transfers to affected families, subsidies for businesses and individuals, and initiatives to support agriculture and tourism.

Furthermore, the government has taken steps. Steps to enhance healthcare infrastructure, strengthen public health measures, and provide financial support to vulnerable sectors such as education and women's empowerment. The government's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic is evident in its comprehensive and proactive approach. By combining financial relief measures with programs and interventions aimed at promoting economic recovery and social well-being, the government has demonstrated its determination to support its citizens during this unprecedented time.

The publication concludes by highlighting the need for continued collaboration and support from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, and international organizations, to ensure a swift and effective response to the ongoing pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing public health, promoting social inclusion, and fostering economic resilience to build a stronger and more sustainable future for all.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 298 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789292692261